DNA Breakthrough Solves 40-Year-Old Cold Case Murder of California Boy
Advancements in DNA technology have led to the resolution of a nearly 40-year-old cold case murder of a six-year-old boy in California. Fred Cain III, 69, was arrested in Oregon on September 18 after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of Jeremy Stoner in February 1987. Cain, who resides in Central Point, Oregon, has waived extradition and will be transferred to California to face murder charges, along with allegations of kidnapping and sodomy.
The case dates back to when Jeremy went missing from his grandparents’ home in Vallejo. His body was discovered four days later on Sherman Island in Sacramento County, California, with strangulation believed to be the cause of death. Although authorities initially interviewed and cleared Fred Cain during the initial investigation, they eventually shifted their focus to Shawn Melton, who appeared to possess information only the killer would know. Melton was charged with murder and kidnapping but was later acquitted due to two deadlocked juries. Melton passed away in 2000.
Peter Foor, the public defender who represented Melton in 1987, revealed that his client had cooperated with police by sharing theories about the crime, inadvertently making himself appear more suspicious. Despite Foor’s claims that authorities had interviewed Cain previously, recent advancements in DNA research have exonerated Melton. District Attorney Krishna Abrams expressed gratitude for the dedication of the cold case investigators, emphasizing their commitment to solving these harrowing cases.
Cris Delaney, Fred Cain’s niece, voiced her relief at the news. Delaney, who reportedly endured a difficult childhood due to Cain’s actions, hopes for a lengthy prison sentence for her uncle. Records obtained by ABC News reveal that Cain has served jail time in the past for charges including sodomy, rape-by-threat, and burglary.
Solano County‘s District Attorney is slated to hold a press conference to provide further details on the case. As DNA technology continues to advance, it offers new hope for solving cold cases and holding perpetrators accountable decades after the crimes have been committed. The resolution of Jeremy Stoner’s murder after almost 40 years stands as a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement in seeking justice for victims and their families.
